Visiting Indiana: The Spirit Of Jasper Train Ride
The Spirit of Jasper is a restored passenger train that runs scenic tourist excursions. The train is based at the Jasper Train Depot in Jasper, Indiana. The train is made up of various historic cars and an engine that have been restored. The train runs two regular excursion routes. The train ride is a great way for the whole family to enjoy the scenery of Dubois County from the climate controlled comfort of restored historic train cars.
The engine that normally pulls the Spirit of Jasper is a General Electric diesel-electric switch engine originally made in 1956. The #200 Club Car dates back to the 1940s and was converted into a passenger car in 2009. The #300 Lounge Car was originally a coffin car that carried the bodies of soldiers that died in World War I to their hometowns for burial. The #400 Parlour Car’s historical use was as a military hospital car.
One of the excursions the Spirit of Jasper runs is the Jasper to French Lick Express. This route is 25 miles each way. It takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. There is a two and a half hour stop in French Lick for passengers to enjoy nearby attractions before the train ride back to Jasper. Highlights of this route include going through the second longest train tunnel in Indiana and the historic French Lick Train Depot, which houses the Indiana Railway Museum.
The second excursion option is the Jasper Ride & Dine. This is an 18 mile route that starts and ends at the Jasper Train Depot. As passengers enjoy the scenery they are served dinner. The dinner is catered by the local authentic German cuisine restaurant called Schnitzelbank. The exact menu varies, but usually includes a few entrée options, sides, and dessert. The Japser Ride & Dine scenic train ride lasts about two and a half hours.
Groups can also charter the Spirit of Japser by chartering a whole car for a schedule train excursion or the whole train for an excursion when there are no scheduled departures. The Spirit of Jasper also occasionally offers special excursions, such as the one hour round trip rides that run during the Strassenfest in August.
We love Indiana Tourism. For specific info on NW Indiana happenings, visit our Crown Point local blog. You’ll love the historical significance!
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